How to Use a Water Flosser?

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Introduction

Ever wonder how to use a water flosser? If you want a bright, white smile then you probably have. But water flossers aren’t just for a stunning smile. The truth is that brushing alone isn’t enough to combat unsightly things like bacteria, plaque, and food particles that are trapped between the teeth or under the gum line. As a matter of fact, some kids electric toothbrushes can’t even get into these hard-to-reach spaces. This means that unless you’re flossing, you’re leaving yourself open to tartar build-up, gum diseases like gingivitis, tooth loss, and a variety of other harmful conditions.

But using traditional dental floss can be a pain, literally and figuratively. It can be difficult to manage, unable to maneuver between those pesky back teeth, and can even cause sensitive gums to bleed. Luckily, water flossers, also known as oral irrigators or waterpiks, are a fantastic alternative. But in order for you to decide if a water flosser is the right dental tool for you, we should take a look at how it works and what it can do.

Using a Water Flosser

There are three styles of water flosser available: countertop, cordless, and attachable (connected to the sink’s faucet) models. While these models vary in size and shape, the main consideration is portability and power. Countertop models are larger, stationary devices that provide the best power and performance of the three but due to their size, they’re not practical to take with you on a trip. Cordless models are basically handles attached to a reservoir. These models are easily packed away and are powered by either two AA batteries or rechargeable batteries.

Some cordless models also are capable of operating while being plugged into an electrical socket as well. Attachable faucet water flossers are the cheapest of the three options. These models are connected right to the faucet, meaning that they don’t require a power source.The downside to this is that you have a hose running from your sink’s faucet and they lack the power of the other two models.

Whichever style of waterpik you choose to purchase the operation is essentially the same. First, you need a source of water. So for cordless or countertop models, you need to make sure that the water tank is filled up to the “max fill” line. If you have an attachable model, attach it to your sink’s faucet. Warm water is always suggested when flossing and it is especially essential if you have sensitive teeth or gums.

Most waterpiks feature an adjustable pressure setting. If you are new to water flossing, setting it to the lowest pressure setting is advised. This will allow your gums and teeth to grow accustomed to the pressure and it’s also perfect for individuals who have gums that are prone to bleeding since this pressure will gently massage the gums and soothe them. As you get more used to using your water flosser (click to read through our full guide), you can gradually turn up the dial for more pressure.

Turn the unit on and keep your thumb near the pause button in case you need to turn off the device quickly. Now, you simply clean both sides of your teeth starting at either the top or bottom, working you way around each tooth and into the crevice between your teeth. As you near the portion of your tooth that is near the gum line, allow the spray to penetrate below the gum line in order to remove plaque, bacteria, and particles that are inaccessible to a toothbrush.

How to use a Waterpik without Making a Mess?

Water flossers spray pressurized water and water can be messy. You don’t want to have the waterpik spraying water around your bathroom or out of your mouth. To avoid making a mess, keep your finger near the pause button on your water flosser. This button is usually found on the handle. Now, simply keep your lips slightly closed and keep your head over the sink while you are cleaning your teeth. This will prevent the water from spraying everywhere, instead allowing the stream to gently flow out of your mouth and down your sink’s drain.

How to use a Waterpik with Braces?

Water flossers are perfect for people with dental braces, allowing you to remove plaque, bacteria, and food particles more effectively than with regular dental floss. If you wear braces, it’s recommended that you use your waterpik twice a day in order to remove any particles trapped behind the braces’ brackets. To water floss around braces, fill your reservoir with warm water and insert a flosser tip onto the handle. Many brands offer orthodontic tips that are specifically designed for removing plaque from braces.

Now, start at the lowest pressure and lean over your sink.Turn the water flosser on and close your lips enough to prevent splashing while letting the water to gently stream out of your mouth and down the sink’s drain. Now, begin flossing your back teeth and move the tip slowly along your gum line. Then floss the area between your teeth and all around your orthodontic bracket. Once done with that, simply move onto the next tooth, flossing one at a time.

Water Flosser vs String Floss

Water flossing offers several impressive benefits over traditional string dental floss. Dental floss uses a string or tape that you need to maneuver between your teeth with a scraping motion. Many people find it very difficult to use for back teeth and due to the scraping motion, there is an increased chance of cutting into gum tissue, causing bleeding. Manual dental floss is also impractical for anyone with a dental device like a bridge or braces.

Water flossers are a great alternative to regular dental floss. Due to the gentle water stream, these devices are gentler on teeth and gums than floss, minimizing irritation and the risk of bleeding. They’re highly effective at removing plaque, food particles, and bacteria from between the teeth and under the gum line, providing for optimal oral health. And they’re also easier to use in hard-to-reach spots in the back of the mouth and are perfect for anyone with dental work like braces.

Conclusion

We all know that flossing is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. But it’s also something that too many people choose to avoid. Waterpiks are incredibly effective dental devices that make the necessary, and often neglected, chore of flossing much easier. These soothing, teeth cleaning devices are a faster, easier, and gentler alternative to traditional flossing.

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